Product category:
Food Processing News
News Release from: Frigoscandia Equipment | Subject: Link
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 02 July 2007
Custom control systems for food
processors
Each manufacturers has different needs from food processing equipment: FMC FoodTech meets these needs offering a variety of control systems with advanced data collection and traceability functions
For processors who require the most advanced control system, there's Link, a solution designed to meet even the most stringent record-keeping and hygiene requirements And to maximise production across a processing line, Link can be complemented by Link Line Control
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 4 Jul 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Integrating process line controls with 'Link'
FMC FoodTech introduces a new solution - Link: a control systems technology that enables the line operator to control, aggregate, analyse and improve food production and line management
See the world's largest mass flow meter with Able
Able will be exhibiting at the largest oil and gas industry sector exhibition, Offshore Europe 2003, with the largest ever mass flow meter: see it in Aberdeen for 4 days from 2-5 September 2003
But while the Link benefits enable processors to quickly recoup their initial investment, many smaller companies favour an easier-to-maintain design.
To meet their needs, significant upgrades have been made to the company's standard controls over the past few years.
"In the past, opting for standard controls meant giving up tremendous functionality in the name of affordability," says Thomas Lundqvist, Link product line manager.
Further reading
Website dedicated to spreadsheet validation
ABB Process Solutions and Wimmer Systems are very excited to announce the release of a new website dedicated to spreadsheet validation
New explosive certified reference materials
AccuStandard, a world leader in the synthesis and manufacture of organic, inorganic, and petrochemical chemical reference standards, has developed a new line of explosive certified reference materials
Fipronil Metabolites as reference standards
Fipronil Metabolites as reference standards are now available from AccuStandard, a world leader in the synthesis and manufacture of Organic, Inorganic, and Petrochemical Chemical Reference Standards
"Today's standard controls, however, provide 60 to 70 percent of the capabilities of Link along with a robust, flexible design that's tailor-made for the most demanding plant conditions".
Earlier standard controls were PC-based and required several rounds of software uploads when replacement was necessary.
The new control panels feature a more flexible design with a flash card memory, which allows quick replacement without extensive set-up.
The use of flash technology also eliminates the moving parts within a hard drive that can make PCs susceptible to breakdowns, decreasing the production line vulnerability to control system-related downtime.
FMC FoodTech began upgrading its standard controls five years ago when push-buttons were replaced by touch screens.
Today, several other enhancements have been made for increased functionality.
Some of the new features that have been introduced to the company's standard controls include: access to trend curves that store three days of production data for increased traceability historical alarm data in addition to real-time alarms for improved troubleshooting networking capabilities that enable FMC FoodTech technicians to access the controls at the PLC level for system support, resulting in reduced maintenance costs for the customer.
* a graphical interface that minimises language barriers and simplifies operation recipe management capabilities that save custom-tailored operating sequences, allowing for reduced setup times, improved product uniformity between runs and fewer adverse affects from labor turnover and training.
* separate password levels that give operators, service personnel and sanitation crews access to only the information they need while offering only designated individuals full access.
Since the same standard controls are shared by all FMC FoodTech freezers, ovens and M-fryers, replacement parts can be ordered from a single supplier, reducing maintenance costs.
Training costs are also decreased, since an employee trained to operate one piece of equipment requires very little additional instruction to operate another piece with standard controls.
"Enhancements to our standard controls provide greater reliability, functionality and simplicity of operation to the user," says Lundqvist: "They're also an important step toward our ultimate goal - to incorporate the advanced capabilities now seen in Link and Link Line Control into the standard controls of all our products.".
• Frigoscandia Equipment: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Processingtalk email newsletter
• Processingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
